32 GRASS AND OTHER EDOINGS. [March. 
give a few simple directions how to accomplish the work. 
In the first place, dig over the ground deeply where the 
edging is intended to be planted, breaking the soil fine, and 
keeping it to a proper height, namely, about one inch higher 
than the side of the walk ; but the taste of the operator will 
best decide, according to the situation. Rake the surface 
even, and tread it down with the feet, or beat it with the 
spade. Where it gives most, continue to add, keeping the 
surface at the desired height. If the edging is to be in a 
direct line, either on a level or inclined plane, you may be 
correctly and simply regulated by making the desired level 
at each end of the line. Take three rods, about four feet 
long each, having a piece of one foot to cross at one end, two 
of these pieces painted black, the other white. Have a black 
one at each end of the line on the level ; take the white one for 
the centre, going along the line, and, about every twenty feet, 
level a spot to the exact height, which will be seen by look- 
ing over the top of the rods from one end. Having found 
the level, drive in a peg to it, so that no mistake may occur ; 
beat and level between them, leaving a smooth surface. 
This being done, strain the line, and with the spade proceed 
to cut out the trench perpendicularly on the side next the 
walk, six, eight, ten, or twelve inches deep, according to the 
length of the plants. Afterwards take the plants, and cut 
the tops even, with the knife or shears, at the same time 
shortening the roots. Then with the left hand next the line, 
plant forward, keeping the tops of the plants level, and from 
one to two inches above ground, keeping the plants close, 
according to the required thickness. Put in the earth as you 
proceed, and tread it firm, then rake the surface even, and 
with the spade beat it smooth. If the weather sets in very 
dry, the box will be the better of a few waterings. Some- 
times boxwood is planted without roots, but it seldom gives 
satisfaction, not growing equally. 
GRASS AND OTHER EDGINGS. 
Grass verges for walks and borders, although frequently 
used, are by no means desirable, except where variety is re- 
quired ; they are the most laborious to keep in order, and 
at best arc inelegant, and the only object in their favour is 
